Integrated Biosciences, PhD

Overview

Dr. Antonio Baines, Program Director

2253 Mary M. Townes Sciences Complex

Telephone Number:  (919) 530-6542

Email:  abaines@nccu.edu

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Integrated Biosciences program was designed specifically to train students at the doctoral level to solve complex problems using the most cutting edge concepts in biology, biomedical, computational, and pharmaceutical sciences.  This program provides students from different disciplinary backgrounds with a multidisciplinary, comprehensive approach to the study of diseases associated with health disparity.

The INBS program provides students from varying degree discipline backgrounds with a multidisciplinary, comprehensive approach to the study of health disparity issues.  Presently, students may choose from one of two (2) tracks - Biomedical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Sciences.  The biomedical sciences concentration is designed for students with backgrounds and interests in biology, biochemistry, chemistry or related disciplines.  The pharmaceutical sciences concentration is designed for students with backgrounds and interests in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, biochemistry or related disciplines.  All students will participate in a unique core curriculum consisting of an integrated approach to addressing human diseases associated with disparate health issues, responsible conduct of research, communication and problem solving, and research techniques.

I. Admission Requirements

Students may enter the program with a B.S. or M.S. degree in an area of biology, biomedical, pharmaceutical sciences or related area. A Master’s degree is not required for this program. Requests for transfer of graduate credit hours must be submitted to the Graduate School and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should have taken a minimum of one semester of Calculus I, Cell Biology, Genetics, and Biochemistry with an overall GPA of 3.0 to be given strong consideration.

Applicants to the PhD in Integrated Biosciences program must submit:

1. Official Transcripts of all graduate and undergraduate studies. 
2. GRE scores, less than 5 years old, to be considered within the context of all materials in the application.
3. A statement of purpose and a resume.
4. A minimum of three letters of recommendations are required from individuals who are knowledgeable of the student’s academic acumen and abilities to complete the PhD degree in Integrated Biosciences.

II. Program Requirements

III. Exit Requirements

1. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher is required.  A grade of “B” or better must be earned in the required core and domain courses.  An overall 3.0 GPA must be maintained throughout the program.
2. At least 95 credit hours are required.  36 credits of coursework:  including the 18 credits of core coursework, 6 credits of Responsible Conduct of Research, 6 credits of domain courses, and 6 credits of electives.  59 credits of research courses:  2 credits lab rotations, 9 credits of Doctoral Supervised Research, 39 credits of Doctoral Dissertation, and 9 credits of Dissertation Preparation.
3. Successful completion of a two-part Qualifying Examination consisting of five written sections and an oral exam is required.
4. A minimum of one semester of teaching experience.
5. At least one manuscript on the dissertation research submitted to a professional journal in the field of study.
6. Successful completion of the dissertation including a public oral defense.

Curriculum Plan for Ph.D. in Integrated Biosciences

Note:

Doctoral Dissertation Defense Scheduled as recommended by PhD Thesis Advisor

PhD Core Courses (18)

• INBS 8000 - Health Disparities in Human Diseases (3)
• INBS 8100 - Multidisciplinary Problem Solving (3)
• INBS 8700 - Graduate Seminar in Integrated Biosciences I (1)
• INBS 8710 - Graduate Seminar in Integrated Biosciences II (1)
• INBS 8800 - Research Rotation I (2)
• INBS 8810 - Research Rotation II (2)
• BIOD 8075 - Intermediate Biostatistics (3)
• CHMD 8000 - Biochemistry (3)

*Domain Courses

Additional Requirements:

All PhD students are required to participant in the NCCU Responsible Conduct of Research Professional Development series and earn a Certificate of Completion.  All PhD students are required also to participant in the Grant Proposal Writing Professional Development series.

**Students are free to take additional graduate elective courses in multidisciplinary areas of their interest, subject to approval by their research mentor and thesis advisory committee.